BRANCH BULLETIN ~ E-News from Farmers Branch

Memo from the Manager 

Embracing technology 

   It is an enduring truth of government that the function of legislating and administrating any public entity requires a lot of paperwork.

   Or, at least it used to.

   The 21st century rewrite of that statement is that government requires aCity Manager Gary D. Greer - Backyard lot of "documentation." And, while it is common fodder for pundits and pollsters to characterize government as a process mired in a sea of paper, or red tape, the fact is looking after the people's business requires attention to detail and that requires documentation. You deserve no less.

   So, by that reckoning, yes, government does require pages upon pages of material for various forms and functions.

   However, more and more today those pages are "virtual."

   A recent newspaper article used a bit of sarcasm in describing many cities' use of iPads for staff and elected officials. "Want a free iPad? Run for elected office."  Well, there's much more to it than that. Ten years ago, preparation for a Council meeting involved killing a small forest with agenda packets that were hundreds of pages, copied several dozen times for Council and staff. Then, Farmers Branch wrote its own paperless agenda system, preserving the trees and sending out documentation on CDs for display on City-issued laptops, costing several thousand dollars.

   Now, in Farmers Branch, the CDs and the laptops have been replaced by iPads (which cost significantly less than the laptops). Are iPads cool and trendy? Perhaps. Are they phenomenally utilitarian, amazingly cost-effective and very easy to use? Absolutely. That makes the iPad the right tool for the job.

   Beyond that, our sea of paper is gradually diminishing with an ongoing records-management project where files and paperwork are systematically being converted to electronic format. We'll eventually replace a closet full of filing cabinets with a small server, about the size of your home computer.

   In addition to the savings in equipment, staff time, training and copier maintenance, Farmers Branch is saving an average of 125,000 sheets of paper every year.

   How many trees is that? 

   

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Budget workshop set Monday

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council will meet in special session on Monday, August 22, at Farmers Branch City Hall, for a workshop to consider the fiscal year 2011-2012 proposed budget.
   That meeting is set for 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
   The budget workshop, along with all regular Council meetings, will air live on FBTV, cable channel 16 in Farmers Branch, AT&T Uverse Channel 99 throughout the DFW Metroplex and online at www.farmersbranch.info. The budget workshop will be replayed on FBTV at 8 p.m. seven nights a week between August 22 and the Council meeting of September 6.
   Farmers Branch City Hall is located at 13000 William Dodson Parkway. Call 972.247.3131 for more information.  

 

Access the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Proposed Budget  

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Refinancing StarCenter bond dollars makes good sense

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Seizing an opportunity to save more than $1.6 million in interest, the Farmers Branch City Council on Tuesday authorized the refinance of the 2004Dr Pepper StarCenter in Farmers Branch combination bonds originally used to build the Dr Pepper StarCenter.
   The action issues up to $7.25 million in refinance bonds that effectively lowers the interest rate to an average expected 4.22 percent. Current rates on the 2004 bonds ranges from 4.95 to 5.8 percent. After deducting issuance costs, the City's total gross interest savings could total more than $1.6 million.
   Farmers Branch Finance Director Charles Cox said rental income of $660,000 per year from the Dallas Stars, on the Dr Pepper StarCenter lease, pays the entire debt service on the bonds. The refinanced bonds will not only save in interest payments but reduce the maturity on the certificates from 2029 to 2027.  

 

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SoftLayer among fastest growing tech firms in Metroplex

 

DALLAS ~ In the ever-evolving realm of technology-based businesses in North Texas, Farmers Branch-based SoftLayer has found elite company.
SoftLayer   According to the Dallas Business Journal, SoftLayer was named Wednesday as one of the five fastest growing tech companies in the region by the Metroplex Technology Business Council. Along with GENBAND, Goodman Networks, Mavenir Systems and Quickoffice, SoftLayer will be competing for the title of "Fastest Growing Tech Company" at the August 26 Tech Titans Awards Gala in Dallas.
   Located on Alpha Road on the east side of Farmers Branch, SoftLayer is an up-and-coming data center firm that has already expanded twice since relocating to Farmers Branch in 2010. Overall, 35 North Texas technology companies are part of the Fast Tech list, which will be published in the Dallas Business Journal, September 2. 

 

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BRANCHbriefs

"The Cowgirl Legacy" comes to Historical Park's Summer Lecture Series August 30

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Detailing the history of notable women of the

The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
Video  View our videos on YouTube  Extra

western frontier, representatives of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, in Fort Worth will close out the Farmers Branch Historical Park's SummerLecture Series with "The Cowgirl Legacy" August 30.

   The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Old Church on the Park grounds. The public is invited and admission is free. The Farmers Branch Historical Park is located at 2540 Farmers Branch Lane between Denton Drive and Ford Road. Call 972.406.0184 for more information. 

Stars & Spokes registration now available online

 Bike race

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Registration for the inaugural Stars and Spokes bicycle race in Farmers Branch, to honor Texas' first responders and commemorate 9/11, is now available online at the event's website. 

   Proceeds from the event will benefit the Texas Association of First Responders who seek to aid firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel injured in the line of duty. For more information and registration, log on at  www.starsandspokes.com.  

 

School zones active as kids return to school 

School Zone Sign 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Mary Immaculate students returned to the classroom this morning while kids in Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Dallas ISDs enjoy their last few days of summer before  classes resume on Monday, August 22. 

   Parish Episcopal School begins on Tuesday, August 23.

   The Farmers Branch Public Works and Police Departments remind area motorists that those school zones will again be active and kids will be coming to and from their campuses in the mornings and afternoons. 

Citizen Police Academy continues enrollment 

 

JUSTICE CENTER ~ Designed to give citizens insight into the policies, Police K-9 Kilopositions and personnel of local law enforcement, the 22nd session of the Farmers Branch Citizen Police Academy is now accepting applications for classes, set to begin in September.  

   Established in 1998, the Academy has given hundreds of participants a combination of classroom instruction and "hands on" experience to demonstrate the hows and whys of law enforcement. The Academy meets for three hours on Thursday nights for 11 weeks. For more information, call 972.484.3620 or e-mail Lt. Mike Blum at mike.blum@farmersbranch.info.  

More Info on Upcoming Events & Activities   

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Parting Shot Teens welcoming troops home.

Kids from the Farmers Branch Youth Leadership Program show off their homemade posters while welcome U.S. troops home from overseas at DFW International Airport earlier this summer. The program is offered through the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center for kids ages 13 to 18. For more information, call the Rec Center at 972.247.4607.


 


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In the Banner

 

Yellow Rose in Texas 

 

It has been a hard summer on plantlife in north Texas but the tough but beautiful Earthkind roses at the national garden in Gussie Field Watterworth Park, near City Hall, are holding their own. In an effort to get roses planted all over Farmers Branch, City Manager Gary Greer is sponsoring a rose contest, featuring entry in the Annual Rose Show and a Garden Party in October for participants. Click on the "Keep Farmers Branch Rosy" box for more information.   

City Manager's Rose Contest
8.18.2011
Bond refi
Local company recognized
BranchBriefs
Cowgirl Legacy coming
School zones again active
Citizen Police Academy coming
Upcoming Event Links
Snap Poll
Parting Shot
In the Banner
City Staff Mini-Profile
LBJ Express Weekly Report

This Week 

August 22 

Council Budget Wksp  

- 3 pm @ City Hall
- LIVE on FBTV
- 972.247.3131 

Senior Center Dance 

- Gary Lee
- 7 pm @ Senior Center
- 972.241.8636
August 22

Planning & Zoning  

- 7 pm @ City Hall 

- 972.247.3131

August 23 

Historical Preserv. Bd.

- 7 pm @ Historical Pk.  

- 972.406.0184

August 23 

Zoning Board of Adj.  

- 7 pm @ City Hall 

- 972.247.3131

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All meetings & events subject to change. Call 972.247.3131  

___________________ 

  

Mark Your Calendars

 

August 30

Historical Park Lecture Series: Cowgirls
September 8

LBJ Info Meeting 

September 10

Stars & Spokes

Pickups -n- Panels 

September 17

Community Health Fair

September 18

All Play Ball 

September 24

Movie in the Park

October 1

Crimes Against Seniors Seminar

October 4
National Night Out 

October 14-15 

Bloomin' Bluegrass

October 15

Holiday Craft Fair

RoseDango 

October 22

Annual Rose Show

October 29

Halloween in the Park

November 3

Town Hall Meeting

November 11

Veterans Day 

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Look for information on these and other events in the coming weeks in BRANCH BULLETIN 

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City Staff

Mini-Profile

 

Carolyn Forrest 

Carolyn

Forrest  

 

Position:

 Help Desk Support Specialist 

Department:

Information Services  

Years with City:

20 yrs  

Personal:

   I am the mother of four kids, including 15 year old triplets who constantly keep me running. I am the ultimate sports fan/team mom for football, baseball, golf and Allstar Cheerleading! I've recently taken up golf to spend more time with my wonderfully supportive husband of 20 years.   

What Does She Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch?

 I like working for the City in providing IT support for my fellow co-workers, who in turn support all Farmers Branch citizens. 

LBJ Express

Weekly Report

LANE CLOSURES

 

MAIN LANES

FRONTAGE ROADS

CROSS STREETS

Eastbound

Right main lane of EB I-635 between Preston Rd and Hillcrest Rd

Aug 22 - 23 / 8 pm to 6 am

 

Left main lane of EB I-635 from east of Preston Rd to Coit Rd

Until Aug 26 / 8 pm to 6 am

 

Right frontage lane of EB I-635 from west of Welch to west of Inwood

Til Aug 30 / 24 hrs

 

Westbound 

Right main lane of WB I-635 from Hillcrest Rd to Preston Rd 

Aug 23 - 24 / 8 pm to 6 am

 

Left main lane of WB I-635 from east of Preston Rd to to Coit Rd

Until Aug 26 / 8 pm to 6 am

 

Forest Lane closed WB between Denton Drive and Harry Hines Blvd. Traffic detoured to Harry Hines Blvd.

Aug 24 - Dec 1 / 24 hrs

 

Right frontage lane of WB I-635 from west of Marsh Lane to Webb Chapel Rd

Until Sept 7 / 24 hrs 

 

Right frontage lane of WB I-635 from west of Josey to Metro Blvd

Til Sept 18 / 9 am to 3 pm

 

Right frontage lane WB I-635 between Inwood Rd and Midway Rd

Til Sept 30 / 24 hrs

 

Northbound 

Right NB lane of Webb Chapel at I-635

Til Sept 9 / 24 hrs 

 

Right shoulder of cross street of NB I-635 at Rosser Road

Until Aug 21 / 7 am - 7 pm

 

Right lane of Marsh Lane at NB I-635 from High Meadow Dr to frontage road

Aug 22 - Sept 30 / 24 hrs

 

Left frontage lane of NB I-35 from Royal Lane to Crown Rd

Until Aug 2012 / 24 hrs 

  

Southbound

Traffic shift of I-35 to Joe Field Road cross street
Aug 22 - Sept 22 / 24 hrs

HOV LANE CLOSURES

Effective June 17

 

 Eastbound

Beginning east of Luna Road and extending to just east of Hillcrest 

 

Westbound

Beginning east of Hillcrest Rd and extending just east of Josey Lane 

 

 

www.lbjexpress.com

 

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About the City of Farmers Branch

Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, Farmers Branch is a vibrant and vital community with a residential population of 28,800 but a daytime population of 66,000. The City's 28 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The Farmers Branch Historical Park allows residents to step back in time and the John F. Burke Nature Preserve offers the opportunity to experience a real, 104-acre wilderness in the middle of one of the busiest metro areas of the world. The City's location in the geographical center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, only 15 minutes away from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information about Farmers Branch, visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.919.2515.